Tag Archives: seeing dogs after death

A New Year’s Wish of Remembrence

01 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by in adopting a new dog, adopting dogs, animal families, border collies, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, love, loving dogs, loving life, memories, missing your dog, rescue dogs, second chances, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Dear Mommy,

I keep this picture in my den right next to my bed. We have so MANY great pics together but this is a favorite because it’s the day you brought me home and we both were so very happy. Every year at this time I do get a little sad because it does not seem fair that I only had 3-1/2 years by your side. I am SO grateful you adopted me as a BEAUTIFUL senior, but I wish you  were mine since I was a puppy. However, I still squeezed SO much LOVE into those years with you, Safari and Daddy and so did you of course. When I think of all the adventures I had in both the FL and PA houses it’s amazing!

Mommy, I just want you to know that I always miss you when the New Year turns because it sort of ticks off another year that we have been physically apart and it makes me sad. But, I get happy when I think how the last part of my life was the BEST part and I think even for old people that is important because it is what you remember the most. You are the best Mommy ever and when I talk about you everyone is jealous! Ha!

Please tell Safari, Daddy and of course Joy, whom I hand picked for you, that I love and miss them too. By the way, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky send their love as well – they miss you so much too. We all do, but we know that our pictures are all OVER those houses and most of all in your heart.

Happy New Year Sweet Mommy,

Love your Daughter, Bailey with all my paws and heart. xoxoxoox

When I Walk With Joy….

19 Sunday Jan 2014

Posted by in animal families, border collies, dog kisses, Dog walking, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, rememberence, The Rainbow Bridge

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IMG_2109 Bailey girl

Dearest Bailey, I was missing you so much yesterday. So often when I walk with Joy I think of you. There are so many quirky things that I find so similar about the tow of you – especially the love of food! However, when I walk with Joy I wish she could walk with you so you could have taught her not to fear so much.

I know, I know. This takes time. That is why we walk so much. Aside from it being good for our health, she really needs the training not to fear and you would have been THE BEST teacher. Just like with you, EVERYONE wants to pet her and talk to her and often she will look at strangers and just bark or growl at them. She is hyper protective over me; much like you were, but you never minded anyone really.

Today when we walked on the path in Bonita Bay, I had to hold her harness so she would not chase the bikers! Reminded me of you!!! She never barked at them at least! How you used to bark at bikers when you first came to live with us. She is still so much a puppy and I find that so cute about her – her energy is amazing. AMAZING!!!!!! I wish I could bottle it up and you know I have a LOT of energy but she puts me to shame.

I always think on our walks how you two would have loved each other. You truly led me to her, I know that as sure as I know my own name. You set the path and I followed and I thank you in my heart everyday for that, Bailey. I love you so much.

Well, that is what I wanted to say. Write me soon and let me know how the classes are coming along. I have not heard from you in way too long. We need to write more often. I never want “us” to fade.

You remain with me always and every minute,

xoxoxox, me

 

 

A Tree Grown With Love…

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by in animal families, border collies, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, nature, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, trees

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Baileys tree fall 2013Bailey looking so gorgeous

Dearest Bailey,

Your tree in Buhl Park looks so beautiful this third week of October, 2013. It has started to blush more frequently with its beautiful Red Maple leaves. Red of course was your color, although you always looked brilliant and all colors became you.

I think of you everyday of course, but the 28th is the second anniversary of you leaving us for over the Rainbow Bridge and not a day goes by that you are not with me. You know that and I just had to tell you. Joy reminds me SO much of you except you had no fear of people like she still does of some. I am sure she knows how to sniff out the ones I do not like anyway. She is such a little lover girl and is very happy with her life. Like you, she has the great life that you left behind, but I know you are having lots of fun with Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Anwen and all your pals and students that love you so much in Hyfryd.

I meant to ask you something. Has Molly found you all? I wished a special thought that she would find her way to your neighborhood. I know if she did you have welcomed her to the pack. John and Tracy miss her and so  do I – somehow it is not the same without her barking next door when she sees us pull into our driveway. I always liked that she said hello. Please let me know about her okay?

Our book, Letters To Each Other, is selling well. If anyone who reads this blog is interested they can find it here: http://tinyurl.com/n4jzkgw

 It makes me very proud that we finished the book, but it really is a continuing story and it will never end, really. Love is infinite and so are you. On my mind, in my heart and in my soul. I love you Sweet Bailey. Write me soon.
Love and Kisses,
your mommy

 

We Arrived and So Did the Book…

01 Saturday Jun 2013

Posted by in books, border collies, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, parks, rememberence, rescue organizations www.petfindder.com, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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Dear Bailey,

It’s June 1st! When we arrived back in PA, the proof of our book, Letters to Each Other, was waiting at the mailroom. After the exhausting two-day drive, I took a break and read through some of it. I have to read the whole thing again to make sure it is perfect. As I started to read it, I thought of everything that happened in our life together and why the book was even written. I started to cry just looking at it. It is beautiful and I am still in awe of the fact that it is a book. I am not sure it has fully sunk in yet. I know you will be excited to hear this news and even though I am so tired, I had to sit down and write you this note.

I plan on reading the whole thing tomorrow, cover to cover. It’s supposed to rain and after the church breakfast that is my plan, so I can call the publisher on Monday. I am so proud of us Bailey. I really am. I was thinking about you so much today. Joy and I were playing with her new soft Frisbee, courtesy of the Marriott Residence Inn where we stayed. It was really windy and the Frisbee is so light it was sailing on the breeze and she was having fun trying to catch it before it hit the ground. She LOVES this new toy and I was thinking how much youIMG_0072

img_0741

and her would have loved each other. You are so similar in so many ways. I am sending you this picture of her I took today. We also went to Kraynaks to get vegetable plants and flowers for your special spot. Wait till you see all the lovely red flowers I got! You will love them. Let me know what you think with one of your many signs and I will look toward the sky.

It’s supposed to cool off after the rains tomorrow. I was hoping to get to Buhl Park to see the tree tomorrow. I am so excited to see how much it has grown. The winter here was more rainy than snowy, so I am curious to see what kind of growth occurred. I am sure it is green and lush and beautiful just like you. Safari is sitting right here on the desk as I wrote you this letter, as he always does. I think he likes when I write to you and wants to be close.

Well, I just wanted to tell you that we arrived and so did the book. I was hoping it would be here and it was. Tomorrow is a special day. Maybe I will pick a quiet spot, read it out loud so you can listen along. We have accomplished quite a big goal my sweet girl. I love you so very much and always will….

Written with love and heart,

mommy

Looking Up…

20 Monday May 2013

Posted by in birds, border collies, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, rainbow bridge, sky, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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bailey looking upDearest Bailey,

I just wanted you to know that I was thinking about you today. I was lying in Bob and Jamie’s pool on a raft, staring at the sky after working on two long press releases and I needed a break from the computer.

Often when I look up, I think of you and wonder what you are doing and if you are looking at me. At that very moment a big bird appeared out of no where and was swooping the mostly cloudy sky. It was a dark bird, so he or she contrasted well against the clouds. As soon as I whispered, “Bailey is that you?” The bird swooped more down and then up again toward the big cloud that blocked the sun. It sailed on the air as I watched it and then it went through the cloud and I could no longer see it.

I always take those as signs of you, those little pieces of nature that just tends to happen randomly, I love those quiet moments because they are rare for me and so needed. When I do have those quiet moments, I am glad that my thoughts turn to you my sweet girl. I miss you so much; you can never know how much. Joy continues to be a joy and that is all because you took the time to find me the perfect girl. Papa said today, “Joy is so much like you!” I told him that he always said the same thing about you and me! Although I have always seen myself as more of a cat, the only dog I could ever be is a Border Collie because of their wonderful work ethic which is so important to me.

I just wanted to say if that was you, thanks for “appearing,” in whatever shape or form you can accommodate. You are so near and dear to me, I truly feel your presence everyday, I really do and I hope you feel the same.

By the way, I am awaiting the arrival of the first printed book before it really goes to press. I have to read it cover to cover once again to make sure it is perfect! I am so excited and I know you are as well.

Goodnight my beautiful girl. Write me soon. I await your words. Your love I have, always.

From Earth to the Sky,   xoxoxoox

Mommy

Another Little Birthday Note….

20 Wednesday Feb 2013

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, Birthdays, border collies, coincidence, dog kisses, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, letters, missing your dog, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, The Rainbow Bridge

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744 PS I LOVE this picture of us!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO You!

I just had to write ON the day. My note last night was very short, I know, but I told you that I would write today as well and I am keeping that promise.

Since the first fo the year, classes have been very busy. There seems to be a lot of bad things going on down on earth with animal abuse and we find it very sad here in Hyfryd. We have seen too many of our animal friends coming to the classes, especially Loving You 101, to find about why they were harmed there. I have had to enlist Onwen and Telwyn to assistant teach and Barkley of course. Tarzan, Cheetah and Freedom and Lucky have taken over the cat version of the class and actually rewrote some of the lesson plans to be more fitting for cats specifically. They are doing an excellent job – all of them, but of course they would because they were your babies!!

When are they going to pass some real legislation on earth to prosecute the criminals who perpetrate these evil acts against harmless creatures? I mean these are the lowest of the low, right? I know you agree but it is very hard to get the abused to realize that is had nothing to do with them. The good news is that they are all happy they are here because they have fun all day and have lots of friends and all the food they want and no one is hurting. Their bodies are “PUUURFECT!”

It’s just all so sad. So I have really been working hard on that class in particular and I wish it did not have as many participants as it does!

Enough with all the sad stuff though. I wanted to say that I know it was just 9 months on the 12th that Joy came to live with you and I see she is doing well and is VERY happy and playful. I wish she would stop the itching, as I know you want to help her and you have done so many different things. I do think you will find that it’s the just the environment; plants and things in nature. She will be fine. Joy si a tough one I can tell. She has a real spirit to her. She reminds me of you SO MUCH! I knew she was perfect for you and that is why I led her to you. This is your first birthday with her in your life too! I cannot believe that you are 54. You look good though!

My wish for you mommy is to always have good health because if you have it then you can take care of everyone because they need you to and you are SO GOOD at it!!!

So I wish you a very, happy year ahead and this is OUR year for the book! YAY! I am so excited. You have GOT to finish the editing already! I know, that is your least favorite part, but it is work that needs to be done so get busy! You are almost done but I am thinking you are scared to be done with it. Don’t be. We are already working on book 2 in the series. We will never lose this EVER! I will always be next to you, near you and in communication and so will you. It is just us and part of who we are.

I love you so much. I hear you talk about me all the time and I do the same here in Hyfryd. I hope that you had a great day. Write me soon.Nose to Nose Kisses from your Sweet Bailey Girl! xoxoxo

 

 

100 Letters to Each Other – Book One

31 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog adoption., dog kisses, dog/human relationships, doggy kisses, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Doing Your Best, Journaling, joy, kisses, letters, loving dogs, loving life, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, rememberence, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, the wind, Working Dogs

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Bailey and me on the day she was adopted

Dear Mom,

I get to go first because the book is really all about me, right? Ha! This is our 100th letter, can you believe it? I can hardly imagine all this time has passed, 429 days since we last saw each other to be exact. Where does the time go? If you would have told me that I would have gone from being your simple, walk-in-the-park-meet-people-Bailey Girl, to a very busy teacher who helps dogs, cats and other animals deal with their new life over the Rainbow Bridge, I would have told you that you were crazy! You and I were always busy riding around in the car or going into the stores in Florida together (I loved that!) and I sat by you while you wrote; now I have to write all these things for classes that I never dreamed of teaching. It’s funny how things work out sometimes.

I am so happy you had this idea to write to each other. Of course this was bound to happen because we are so close it truly is amazing. The fact that you always receive my signs and rainbows and sense the moments in the breeze when I am near is astounding to me and I want others who are so close on earth to know that when they are separated by one’s passing, they can still be together. It is beautiful here in Hyfryd, but our life was beautiful together on earth as well. I am happy I found you Joy and that she is a good dog that follows in my paw steps, because she did have big paws to fill! haha!

I go back to work on the 7th and I assume by then you will be arranging for the book to be published, RIGHT? You had better be because everyone here wants copies and I promised to bring it to class. I am sure you will be able to arrange for a special delivery to get me some, since I am its star character! I know this will take a little bit of time, but not oo much! Get busy! I know you will, you are as excited as I am, of that I am sure.

So there is only 90 more minutes until 2013 and that means our book will be published and the second one commences! I could not have anything more exciting to look forward to. Please kiss Papa, Safari and Joy for me. I send you my love and doggy kisses via the wind and I know you do the same. Okay your turn. Write me back before midnight. The year is to be a great one. I love you more than anything.

xoxo00, Your Sweet Bailey Girl

Dear Bailey,

Happy New Year my sweet girl. I always seem to have a story for you. I was cleaning out the desk drawer the other day when I cam across a tiny sim card, which I guess is from old, not-smart phone. I put it into the thingy that connects to the computer so I could see what was on there and those two sepia tone pictures of you and two videos, one of you and one of Safari were on it. The two pictures were from the first week you were adopted. I can see one is at Dr. Crago’s office when I brought you in to be checked out after adopting the sweetest senior girl on earth. You look emaciated in those early pictures so it’s amazing what you wound up looking like later after you got good food, love and care from us –  that is why I put those next to each other for you and all to see. I always saw your gorgeous face, even when you were so ridiculously underweight and in need of  a little medical care.

It was your big brown eyes,  and the kiss you gave me at the shelter. That one true  kiss said, “Take me with you, please. I have been here for a whole year and even though I am the office dog I hate sleeping here with other barking dogs. I want a soft place to sleep and people to love me.” What did it take me? Five minutes to tell them, I wanted to take you home? Maybe less. We belonged together that is for sure. I had no doubt in my mind just as I had no doubt that when you left me that we would continue to love each other and communicate forever and share our story with others. I want people to know they too can be connected no matter where they are physically. Love, after all, is a state of mind and heart.

Yes, yes I will begin to put the wheels in motion to get the book published as soon as possible. We are ready for book 2 now. I cannot believe so much time has passed but not a day goes by when you are not spoke of. I got the stats on how many people read this blog this year and I am dumbfounded. People from all over the world read our letters, so I am hopeful that more people would receive our message if it was in book form. If we help only 1 person that would be amazing, right? I want to hear how your first day of classes goes in this new year, so write me after that, okay and I will give you a report on the state of the book which needs a lot of editing.

I miss you everyday my sweet girl; our story will continue.. I am sending New year’s love to  You,  Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom, Lucky and everyone else. You are my lovely inspiration and it all started with a true kiss between us.

Here is to the next 100 letters…… My Forever Love,

me…..xoxoxoox

My Rainbow In Your Sink…

26 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by in animal families, Christmas, coincidence, dog/human relationships, Dogs named Bailey, Journaling, joy, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, New Year's Eve, Poetry, rememberence, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, teaching, The Rainbow Bridge, Uncategorized, Working Dogs

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Hi Mommy!

So you saw the Rainbow I sent you. I did not mean for it to land in the bathroom sink, but maybe that is where it was supposed to land since that is where you were at that exact moment! That was my other Christmas present to you. I am sure that you liked it because you sure rushed to get the camera! ha! The day was not that sunny, so it probably did not last too long, but I thought it was a great gift to give you, the colorful light of my energy.

I just realized that this si the 99th letter! Wow! So I guess one more will make our 100th and here we go to the bookstore!  WOOF! It’s going to be a lot of editing work that is for sure! A new project for 2013! I am so excited. I guess we might have to split letter 100, l okay? Then we will BOTH have the last word of the first book! haha! I like that idea. We have to do it before 2012 ends, right. Right!

Christmas with everyone here was quiet, much like at your house. I prefer it that way – a good time for reflection and you have always been one to write about a year in summation – me too. We will have a great 100th letter. Let’s think about what we want to say and meet back here this week and finish our work for the book. I cannot wait!

I love you forever,

Your Bailey Always xoxoxoox

Holiday Thoughts…..

03 Monday Dec 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, Christmas, coincidence, dog adoption., dog/human relationships, Journaling, joy, loving dogs, missing your dog, Petfinder, rainbow bridge, rememberence, rescue dogs, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The Holidays, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs, www.petfinder.com

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Bailey's Santa Look!Dearest Bailey,

Last year we did not celebrate the holidays. I tried for Safari’s sake, but your crossing over the Rainbow Bridge took a lot out of me. Sometimes I still call Joy, “Bailey.” She hears me talk about you all the time. I know Safari gets what I am saying, but I often think that Joy is wondering, “Who is the Bailey I keep hearing about? I know we walk by her tree up North at the park!”

Joy had big paws to fill upon her adoption, but the funny thing is, you did such a great job in helping me find her on www.petfinder.com  she is perfect. I will show you a picture of her in the Santa hat at the end of this note. I cannot help but think how playful the two of you would have been together. True, Joy is a young one and you were my senior girl, but you both have equally sweet dispositions. Look at your face in this picture. It is so precious you should hang it in your den when you get my letter and show Onwen and all your friends.

I hope that you will write to be when you get your Christmas break next week. I think you said you would be off school for a long break – and I am sure much-deserved. Here is the thing though, we only have a few more letters before it’s time to get the blogs together for the book! I know you are so excited and so am I. It’s going to be lots of work but you and I do not mind that, do we?

I hope you will put up a tree and decorate it with some cute stuff. I put one of your pictures with Santa out in the living room – so cute. Miss Joy would NEVER pose with Santa! I think that she would bark at him! haha! I might try it next year though! I started going to the dog park again. The first day was hard since you loved to go there and Joy REALLY loves to go – we were there today and people talk about how they miss you but they love Joy. It’s funny I was not sure that she would like it there and I could not have been more off-base. She loves it and I am very happy about that. She plays so well with the other dogs and they all love her. She is very gentle just like you.

The holidays are bittersweet for me. It’s only our second Christmas without you but I am focused on the book and getting that done and I am so thankful that we have worked on this project together and we will continue and make a whole series of books with the hope of helping others come to terms with the loss of their animal companions. Work to do!

Here is a picture of Joy with her Santa Hat for your den: She was not too thrilled with having anything on her head but I did it while she was sort of sleepy and would not mind as much! haha! Oh how I love you both.

Write to me soon my sweet Bailey girl. Let me know how you and your friends  are celebrating the holiday. I hope that you will also be with Onwen, Tarzan, Cheetah, Freedom and Lucky and whomever else you love.

With all my love always and forever……

IMG_1881IMG_1877  PS – Safari wanted me to send you his picture as well. He was half alseep – I will work on new ones!

Day 365…Two Letters Today

28 Sunday Oct 2012

Posted by in adopting a new dog, animal families, border collies, cancer in dogs, coincidence, dog/human relationships, dogs, Dogs named Bailey, Fall, Journaling, letters, loving dogs, missing your dog, rememberence, second chances, Senior Dogs, spirituality, talking dogs, The Rainbow Bridge, Working Dogs

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My Sweetest Bailey,

I have 1000’s of pictures of you and each one is cuter than the next. It is hard to fathom that today, 365 ago, you crossed over the Rainbow Bridge into Hyfryd.

I have been privileged to share my life with so many wonderful furry children and you were one of them – a stand-out by all accounts.

We taught each other much, but you taught me more and you still do, each and everyday. I love hearing of your teaching and work in Hyfryd and I am so glad that you found Onwen right away upon your arrival because he is truly your best companion and working pal.

All the leaves on the tree are gone, save for a few browns ones ready to fall. I am sure by now they are all gone as we are having cold and rainy weather. I am sure it is beautiful by you and I was hoping that you would write today as well and I know that you will.

I miss you so much everyday. I can only thank you for finding us the perfect girl to carry on those specific Border Collie antics that only Border Collies are capable of!  We honored you by rescuing Joy, another girl in search of a forever home which we have provided. Like you, she is so grateful.

Although this day is so very bittersweet for me especially, I feel good that we gave you the best three years of your 10 year-old life, which, I know was never easy until I found you and got you out of the shelter and I could not have been happier to share life, love, cuddles and kisses with you. In my heart I still do.

I will love you forever and always…..xoxooxoxoxox

Dear Mommy,

Thank you for your sweet letter. On this day a year ago, I think you cried the entire day and for months afterwards. What makes it better is that you were able to get through your grief, like I did and get back to work like a good Border Collie! I always told you that if you were a dog, you would be a Border Collie! You have high energy, you love to be loved and give love and you have a long nose – not as long as mine..but in the genre…haha. People always said you and I were like two of a kind and I think that was true and always will.

I really, really did not want to get cancer and leave our beautiful home but my body felt so sick and the second I walked over the Rainbow Bridge my body felt great, but I do have to say I was sad. I walked over the bridge and knew that I could go back to work and teach others how to cope. You had such a hard time with my passing and so did I because I only had three years with you, but like you said, they were just the best. We were hardly ever apart and very hyper-attached except for when you guys went on your vacations.

I knew that others around here could benefit from learning how to deal with a best friend’s passing and it turned out just like I thought.

As for Joy, I knew you needed another girl. We are princess girls and Joy fits in perfectly. I know you love furry kids more than anything and the ones that have graced your life will always be grateful. Oddly, I can tell you that it is true.

I wanted to wait to tell you this, but today seems like the right time. Tarzan Freedom, Cheetah, Jane and Lucky are all living together in Hyfryd! I was doing some shopping at the Doggie Depot for some food and I overheard these cats talking about a Sherri. I had heard you mention their names before so I just went up to them and asked if they would possibly be talking about “my sherri!” Tarzan spoke up first and said, where is she?”

So we sat down with some treats and water and talked for hours. Cheetah misses you so much as does Freedom and of course your Tarzan, who told me that he was the King of the house! He is pretty funny. I told them about your life and that not much has changed since they last saw you and that you and Russell were still married – 22 years!

It turns out that they only live around the block from me two streets over. They asked me about my classes and if they could help. I know you loved them so very much. They are lucky that they all spent so many years with you. SO now we have made good friends and they are all helping in my Fall classes. They send their love and I am so happy that we found each other. Hyfryd is truly a magical place.

The Finding Joy class is actually overcrowded! There were so many people that needed the help I had Onwen teach a few extra classes to meet the needs of everyone. In my next letter I will tell you some interesting stories about our students. Today I only really wanted to say that you are in my heart. I carry you with me everywhere and could not love you more. I miss you so much, but I never feel like you are that far away. It’s like if I had a pocket, you would be in it all the time. I feel your presence here with me and I know you feel mine as well. It will always be that way. Always. I love you forever and ever.

Your Sweet Bailey Girl…..xoxoxoox